Fireworks caused apartment fire, officials say

Errant fireworks caused the Fourth of July fire that destroyed four units at Bradford Square Apartments, Lawrence officials announced Wednesday.

"Based on the physical evidence, interviews and the fact that all other sources were ruled out and that fireworks were in use in the area, it's our determination that fireworks were, in fact, the cause of the fire at 501 Colorado," Lawrence Fire Marshall Rich Barr said.

Seventeen tenants were displaced by the fire.

Barr said his office will not recommend filing criminal charges because it's unclear who ignited the firework that caused the fire. Also, city ordinances do not prohibit fireworks on July 2-4.

The building's owner, Dan Bloom, rural Eudora, said he expects building replacement to cost $350,000 to $400,000.

"I'm a big believer in punitiveness," Bloom said. "If I could go after someone, I would. But in a situation like this, I don't know who it would be."

Bloom said he's fully insured.

Barr said the State Fire Marshal ruled that a July 2 fire that destroyed a vacant house at 1513 Haskell Ave. also was caused by fireworks.